Of course, the end goal of the new Connected Career is to reach the Hall of Fame. Everyone wants to see their players or coaches placed high in the Hall of Fame, and now with Legacy score you have the opportunity to see how you rank among other players in the Hall of Fame to end that fabled question of who is better than whom.

Even though I am infected with the aspects of the Connected Career, the one thing I didn't get an opportunity to check out—though I'm eager to do so—is the Retiring system. Now, Madden actually welcomes retiring players and coaches. For example if you get tired of one person's career, you can retire them and start anew with someone else. The best thing about this is that the current player or coaches "retired" like this stay in circulation, meaning someone else could grab that player or coach and bring them out of retirement if they wish. The very idea of retiring and then returning to the game adds a sense of the way the NFL has been over the past few years.

While I feel like I could talk more about the Connected Career, it is probably best for you to just dive in for yourself and see all of the new fantastic things awaiting you in your new journey to league infamy.

Besides the new mode, there have been a few other notable adjustments to the game. For example, the speed of the game feels fresh and upbeat. This may be due to my lack of playing the franchise for a couple of years, but it feels very solid and inviting nonetheless. Giving you more control over the passing game also increases the enjoyment of the game. Sure, we won't see any of the old red-zone-to-red-zone Hail Mary passes to score a touchdown, but the precision added is definitely welcome, even though it can take a little getting used to.

There are also a few new animations helping to ensure believability of the game. Sure, there is still the occasional Madden screw-up where the ball is clearly not caught but placed into the receiver's hands, but all in all, this year is a continued improvement on the series. And just like the graphics each year get a stroke or two better, the sounds and sportscasting continue to improve as well. The dialogue is strong and the execution is spot-on. Even though, much like all randomized tracks, eventually you hear the same things being said over and over. This does get annoying, but nowhere near as annoying as before.

Madden NFL 13 may not be the answer to why you still pick up the same old franchises year after year, but there's no denying that it's amazing fun. So whether you're a vet looking to dive headfirst into the Connected Career, a moderate yearly player anxious to play the game you know and love, or the fresh Madden NFL fan dying to get started somewhere, this is your Madden.

ByMatt Walker
Editor-In-Chief
Date: August 24, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.1

GraphicsWith each year it becomes harder to see the enhancements, but trademark mishaps assure you it is still Madden.E

4.0

ControlGameplay feels fluid and motion-oriented.

4.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingExcellent sportscasting and authentic sounds have become staples of the franchise.

4.3

Play ValueTons to do, just like in any traditional Madden title.

4.5

Overall Rating - Must BuyNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

With Physics You Can Feel, Madden NFL 13 delivers Next Generation gameplay today. Powered by the all-new Infinity Engine, true player impact and authentic momentum transfer ensure that no two plays ever look or feel the same.

Live the NFL dream - whenever you want, wherever you want in a fully interactive, social, and connected online experience. Create your personal legacy or relive an all-time legend's as you build the ultimate franchise as a coach, an NFL superstar, or yourself. Manage your team from your console, the web, or mobile phone in a 24/7 world as NFL insiders and experts analyze, praise, and criticize every move along the way.

Madden NFL 13 Ultimate Team is a free-to-play game mode that perfectly combines Madden NFL Football, fantasy football, and player trading cards.

Madden NFL 13 delivers a superb audio experience that faithfully replicates NFL Sundays with CBS Sports' Jim Nantz and Phil Simms calling the action, QB cadences, authentic sound effects and actual on-field player chatter, all provided by NFL Films, and a fully-scored orchestral theme that conveys the emotion and excitement of professional football.

With a completely redesigned passing game including new a new pass-ready system and improved play action, and the all-new read and react defensive AI system that features the most intelligent pass defense to date, Madden NFL 13 achieves greater realism on the virtual gridiron on both sides of the ball.

Madden NFL 13 delivers world-class presentation with an all-new living front end, dynamic in-game transitions, a live ticker, and drastically improved usability. Every game has the feel of a nationally televised broadcast with CBS Sports commentators Jim Nantz and Phil Simms calling the action from the virtual 3D booth.

A whole new way to experience Madden against your friends - anytime, anywhere.